What Type Of Sunscreen Is Best?

Using sunscreen to filter UV rays is a daily necessity, not unlike brushing your teeth or eating your veggies. It helps prevent photodamage, wrinkles and skin cancers. But what kind of sunscreen should you use?

There are two main types of sunscreen - each protecting you differently.

Chemical sunscreens work like a sponge, absorbing the sun's rays. They contain one or more active ingredients, including oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or octinoxate.

Physical sunscreens (also known as mineral sunscreens) act as a shield. Sitting on the surface of your skin, they deflect the sun's rays. They contain the active ingredients titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or both.

Here are five reasons why I prefer mineral-based sunscreens:

Don't get absorbed into the bloodstream.

• A recent study by the FDA found components in chemical sunscreens in the bloodstream after use. As the researchers point out, just because an ingredient is absorbed into the bloodstream does not mean it is harmful or unsafe. However, until more research is conducted, I prefer to use and recommend mineral sunscreens as they do not have this risk.

Less likely to cause breakouts

• Two things can cause sunscreen-related pimples: clogged pores from comedogenic ingredients (sunscreen sitting on top of the skin blocking the pores) or sensitivity to chemical UV-blocking agents (sunscreen irritating the skin leading to inflammation). I like to choose mineral sunscreens that are labelled non-comedogenic

Less irritating for sensitive skin

• Mineral sunscreens aren't absorbed into the skin itself but sit on the skin's surface and act as a screen that deflects UV radiation. This means the ingredients do not enter the skin, potentially flaring and irritating sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, can cause dermatitis (irritation) because their ingredients penetrate the top layer of the skin.

Full-spectrum protection

• Chemical sunscreens contain filters that protect against UVB radiation, the wavelength that damages the superficial layers of the skin and causes sunburns. Luckily, mineral sunscreens with both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide protect against UVA as well, which is the wavelength that penetrates clouds and glass and causes significant photo-ageing in the form of wrinkles and sunspots. When picking up a bottle of mineral sunscreen, look for the words "full-spectrum" or "broad spectrum." This label means that the product screens both UVB and UVA radiation.

Start working right away.

• Mineral sunscreen starts protecting your skin immediately after application. Since chemical sunscreens need to be absorbed into the skin, they take 20 to 30 minutes to begin working. That means you need to stay inside after application until the sunscreen becomes effective. Mineral sunscreens protect the skin by physically screening the sun's rays, which means they're effective as soon as they're applied.

Can be reapplied over makeup

• Sunscreen needs to be applied every two to four hours for optimal effectiveness, which is a total pain if you're in the middle of your workday and wearing a full face of makeup. That's where mineral sunscreen compacts or powders come in handy. These products can be applied over foundation without ruining a flawless complexion and are the perfect option for reapplication over the lunch hour.

Can prevent and reduce hyperpigmentation

• Mineral sunscreens with non-micronized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide or sunscreens containing iron oxide (i.e. tinted) help block visible light that causes hyperpigmentation like sun spots and melasma

Sunscreen Picks Depending on Skin Type:

Acne-prone/hyperpigmentation

Look for a non-comedogenic sunscreen containing niacinamide (an ingredient that helps reduce redness and hyperpigmentation). This sunscreen comes in a tinted and non-tinted formulation.

Hypersensitive (prone to burning/irritation with most sunscreens)

Look for a 100% mineral sunscreen that doesn't contain any chemical components that might irritate your skin.

Dryness

Look for a sunscreen with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

Other great mineral sunscreens I recommend:

La Roche Posay® Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50

Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

CeraVe® Hydrating Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50

TIZO3® Facial Primer Tinted SPF 40

Disclosure: as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through product links on this page. Products are recommended because I suggest them to my own patients — the small commission never changes what I recommend.